Expendable shock absorber

ABSTRACT

A rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus for energy absorption and dampening, comprising: an enclosure forming a container, wherein the container has a plurality of orifices displaced at predetermined locations and sizes on the container; a rupture membrane displaced over the plurality of orifices, wherein an interior of the container is substantially water tight; a fluid of a predetermined viscosity and bulk modulus contained within the container; and whereby when a predetermined force acts upon the container and an interior volume decreased to a predetermined volume relative to a quantity of the fluid, the fluid will rupture the rupture membrane and the fluid is able to exit the interior of the container through at least one of the plurality of orifices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application No. 62/925,292 filed Oct. 24, 2019. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barriers, and more particularly to a crushable barrier which uses a fluid 105 to absorb a load.

Barrier devices or impact absorption systems are used in a variety of situations, most notably in motor vehicles and barriers on various motor ways (e.g. high way, express way, on/off ramps, etc.) in order to lower the collision impact in the case of accidents and thereby minimize the cost of repair and protect passengers. Barrier devices may be integrated into the vehicle or may be positioned on the motor way. In the case of a collision that impacts, the barrier device hinders substantial damage to the occupants. The barrier device or the impact systems are usually configured in such a way that they absorb the impact energy through a partial deformation so that only the device for damping the collision impact itself must be changed.

Many existing barriers are either too weak, simply breaking under a crash load without providing sufficient energy absorption, or too strong, being an essentially rigid obstacle, again offering little energy absorption. Those few barriers that do offer appropriate crash properties are made only of mild steel, or mild steel and plastic, and thus exhibit a relatively large exterior profile. This large profile renders them aesthetically less attractive and less adaptable to architectural requirements than the present invention.

The negative consequences of vehicle collisions with too-rigid street furniture are well known. Under such circumstances the crashing vehicle alone must absorb all the impact energy. This results in a transfer of great amounts of energy to the vehicle occupants, increasing the chances of serious injury to them. On the other hand, failure to stop an out-of-control vehicle puts pedestrians and other unprotected road users at risk. Various accidents have been documented where vehicles have plunged unimpeded into pedestrian-occupied areas.

The present invention addresses the competing safety requirements of pedestrians and vehicle occupants. It does this by stopping wayward vehicles, but doing so with significant energy absorption, so as to cushion the vehicle occupants. Importantly, the present invention, incorporating both an energy-absorption means and a rebound dampening means, is able to achieve the dual aims of protection. Finally, in some of its forms, the present invention can be reinstated and restored to full readiness.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention is a rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus comprising: an enclosure forming a container, wherein the container has a plurality of orifices displaced at predetermined locations and sizes on the container; a rupture membrane displaced over the plurality of orifices, wherein an interior of the container is substantially water tight; a fluid of a predetermined viscosity and bulk modulus contained within the container; and whereby when a predetermined force acts upon the container and an interior volume decreased to a predetermined volume relative to a quantity of the fluid, the fluid will rupture the rupture membrane and the fluid is able to exit the interior of the container through at least one of the plurality of orifices.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention is a rupturable pressure relieving fluid container, comprising: a container having an open end and a predetermined volume; a fluid contained within the container, wherein the quantity of the fluid is based on the volume of the container; a membrane member secured to the open end of the container; and a baseplate secured to the membrane member, wherein the baseplate has a plurality of apertures which align with the membrane member; wherein the container, membrane member, and the baseplate form a watertight seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a barrier, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross section of the barrier, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an assembly of a barrier, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an assembly view of the assembly of the barrier, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a view of a rupture membrane after use, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a section view of a barrier, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a section view of a barrier, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts the barrier right before impact, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts the barrier right after impact, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container, and more particularly to a crushable container that can be filled with a fluid to absorb a load. The device is advantageous as it provides for a low cost, easily replaceable, and safe alternative to the current barriers or absorbers which are used. Through the use of a crushable container with a fluid filled interior, that when involved in a crash or accident, the container is crushed, releasing the fluid, and acting as a damper and/or shock absorber. The device can be implemented in a variety of fashions. From being secured to the ground or a surface to being integrated into a vehicle or object to provide the damper/shock absorbing advantages.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depicts images of a barrier 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the barrier 100 is comprised of a body 102 with a series of openings (working orifices) 103 with a membrane 104, integrated into the body over the orifices 103. The shape, size, contour, and overall design of the body 102 is based on the intended purpose of the barrier 100. The body 102 may have a number of different compartments within the interior of the body 102. For example, a barrier 100 which is used in a highway setting is going to be substantially different from a barrier 100 used in a vehicle or in various other situations. Additionally, the orifices 103 are positioned in predetermined locations on the body 102 based on the objective of the barrier 100. One or more damping orifice(s) 103 are used as a flow restriction to the fluid 105 which maintains the pressure within the body 102 while slowly releasing the pressure thereby providing damping and absorbing the kinetic energy from the object to be slowed and stopped. The size and the positioning of the damping orifices 103 controls (in conjunction with the fluid 105) the dampening properties of the barrier 100. The membrane 104 is designed to contain a fluid 105 inside the body 102 until said impact occurs. The membrane 104 is made from a material and of a predetermined thickness based on the desired strength of the membrane 104 to handle the pressure of the fluid 105 from inside the barrier. The membrane 104 may have varying designs, thicknesses, shapes, and the like based on the intended strength of the membrane 104. In some embodiments, the membrane 104 is portions of the body 102 which have scores or weaknesses which make them more susceptible to break or fail creating an opening for the fluid 105 to exit the body 102. At which time, the membrane 104 is designed to rupture permitting the fluid 105 105 to leave the barrier 100. One or more rupture membrane(s) 104 a device which prevents the flow of the contained fluid 105 until a specific design pressure is reached, at which point it breaks (or ruptures) and releases the fluid 105 to pass through the damping orifice 103. In some embodiments, the membranes 104 have varying strengths, and are used to create an ordered expulsion of the fluid from the body 102. For example, a set number of membranes 104 will rupture first, and a second set of membranes 104 will rupture second and so forth.

In some embodiments, the body 102 has a variety of different embodiments of orifices for the expulsion of the fluid, this may include the use of orifices with a membrane secured over the orifice, scored sections of the body and the like. The membrane 104 may also be secured to an interior surface of the body 102 or an exterior surface of the body 102.

The crushable and deformable body 102 can maintain pressure integrity while being crushed by the object being stopped. The body 102 contains an incompressible fluid 105 which has a bulk modulus, β. Fluid 105 other than incompressible fluid 105 s can be used for certain classes of loads (mass×velocity) to be absorbed. The object traveling at some significant velocity and mass to be slowed and stopped with minimized forces to the object (such as an automobile). In the depicted embodiment, openings 106 is used to fill the body 102 with the fluid 105 and also to connect various sensors and devices to assist in the maintaining and monitoring of the barrier 100.

In some embodiments a portion of the body 102 are reinforced with a substantially thicker material near the orifices 103. The thickness and design of the body 102 is based on the application of the barrier 100 and the object which is likely to interact with the barrier 100. In the depicted embodiments, the barrier 100 is designed to be mounted directly to the ground. In some embodiments, the openings 103 may have extensions to direct the fluid 105 in a predetermined direction.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an assembly of a barrier 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Barrier 200 provides similar properties and purposes as barrier 100 in a different design. As shown in the present embodiment, the barrier 200 is made from a housing 204, a cover plate 202, a base plate 203 and a plurality of fasteners 205. The fasteners 205 are used to secure the housing 204, the cover plate 202, and the base plate 203 together and secure the barrier 200 to a surface. In the depicted embodiment, the barrier 200 is designed to be “hit” or “struck” at the top of the curved end of the housing 204.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an assembly of a barrier 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The housing 204 has a predetermined design and interior volume which contains the fluid. The housing 204 has a plurality of openings 207. The cover plate 202 is designed to fit around the housing 204 and the openings 208 on the cover plate 202 align with the openings 207 of the housing 204. The baseplate 203 has a series of orifices 212 and a set of openings 209. The openings 209 are designed to align with the openings 208 and 207. The orifices 212 are sized based on the bulk modulus, β of the fluid and the desired absorption and deformation properties of the barrier 200. A membrane 206 is attached to the base plate 203. This may be fused, sealed, or attached to the base plate 203 based on known methods. In some embodiments, the membrane 206 and the base plate 203 are a single element, wherein predetermined areas or sections of the single element fail first based on scoring, markings, or overall thickness of the material at the desired locations.

The barriers 100 and 200 are shown in stationary embodiments, where the barrier is secured to a surface (e.g. wall or floor/ground) and will come in direct contact with the object that is out of control or off course. In additional embodiments, the barrier may be located within a system (e.g. automobile suspension or bumper) where the barrier does not come into a direct contact with the object or a surface but still provides a dampening or shock absorbing properties. The barriers are designed to crush or deform under the force of the object either through direct contact or through an intermediary object. FIG. 5 depicts a view of a rupture membrane 206, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The membrane 206 is secured to the base plate 203 and has ruptured around the orifices 212 of the base plate 203 as shown. This event occurs when the housing 204 has been struck by an object which causes the internal volume of the housing 204 to decreased beyond the volume of the fluid within the housing 204. Typically when the housing 204 is hit/struck it crumbles or is compressed. Based on the membrane 206 properties and strength, the pressure the fluid exerts on the membrane 206 as the housing is compressed reaches the maximum strength of the membrane 206, causing the membrane 206 to rupture. The rupturing of the membrane 206 about the orifices 212 of the base plate 203 may happen simultaneously across all of the orifices 212 or may happen one at a time based on the way the housing 204 was struck, and how the housing 204 is being compressed.

When the fluid is an incompressible fluid 105, the pressure change in the fluid is inversely related to the reduction in volume through the bulk modulus, β. When the fluid is a perfect gas, such as air, or nitrogen, the pressure change is inversely related only to the volume (the gas constants and temperature cancel out).

As the object compresses the barrier and the fluid, the pressure in the barrier rises and provides the force to slow the object down through the contact area between the object and the barrier. The force can be calculated by multiplying the pressure times the contact area. There is also a force from the mechanical crushing of the barrier itself which can be calculated using mechanical spring and buckling equations as well as finite element methods. The reduction in velocity from these forces can be determined using Newton's Second Law:

ΣF=m×a=m×dv/dt

The sum of forces applied to the mass=mass times acceleration=mass times rate of change of velocity.

As the object continues to crush the barrier 200 and fluid 105, the pressure rises to the point at which the rupture membrane(s) break and release the fluid 105 to the damping orifice(s) 202. The rupture membrane 206 (e.g. diaphragm, burst disk, etc.) is specifically designed to break at a specified pressure and allow the fluid 105 to flow through it; below the design rupture pressure, the rupture membrane 206 maintains integrity and prevents the fluid 105 from leaving the barrier 200, and allows the pressure to rise when the barrier 200 is crushed.

Once the rupture membrane 206 has ruptured, the pressure in the container can be calculated from the equation:

dP/dt=β×[−dV/dt−q]/V

Where: dP/dt is the time rate of change of pressure within the barrier 200. β is the bulk modulus of the incompressible fluid 105 within the barrier 200. dV/dt is the time rate of change of the volume in the barrier 200. q is the volume rate of flow of the fluid 105 out of the barrier 200 (through the damping orifice(s)) and V is the instantaneous total volume of the barrier 200 at the time of calculation.

This equation can also be used calculate the pressure within the barrier 200 before the rupture membrane has been activated but simply setting the volume rate of flow (q) in the equation to zero.

After the rupture membrane in activated, the volume rate of flow through the damping orifices 212 can be calculated using equation:

q=A×Cd×2/(ρ×P){circumflex over ( )}0.5

Where: A is the physical flow area of the damping orifice 212. Cd is the discharge coefficient of the damping orifice 212. ρ is the density of the fluid 105. P is the pressure of the fluid 105 inside the barrier 200 (and assuming the pressure outside the barrier 200 is atmospheric).

These equations need to be solved simultaneously because each equation contains variables that are also contained in the other equations. For example, the time rate of change of the volume of the barrier 200 (dV/dt) is calculated from the double time integration of the first equation [para0033]; while the pressure (P) is calculated from the time integration of second equation [para0037] which in turn affects both the volumetric flow rate of the third equation [para0037], and the sum of forces (F) of the first equation [para0041].

This concept is applied both to barriers 100 and 200. Additionally, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a barriers 300A and 300B. These barriers incorporate a lid (301 and 302) which is secured to the body (303 or 304 respectively). The lids are secured to the barriers through a pressure fit and interlocking design. The lids have predetermined contour which are designed to interlock with the barrier's opening and also have an orifice diameter (305 and 306) which affects the maximum flow rate of the fluid from the barrier. Based on the design of the lids and the barriers the lids will remain attached to the barrier until the body is compressed enough for the fluid to exert enough pressure against the lid, forcing the lid to disconnect from the barrier and allowing the fluid to exit the barrier. Based on the orifice diameter the flow rate of the fluid from the has a maximum value, this flow rate of the fluid based on both the orifice diameter and the fluid is adjustable based on the intended operation/dampening aspects of the barrier In the depicted embodiments, the lid may be integrated into the inside or the outside of the opening of the body.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the barrier 100 before (100A) and after (100B) impact from an object 800 (e.g. automobile). The barrier 100A has yet to be affected by the object 800 and the membrane 104 is able to contain the fluid 105 within the barrier. The membrane 104 contains the fluid 105 with little to no environment impact. After the impact, and a set amount of the deformation of the barrier 100B, the volume within the barrier 100B is reduced beyond the volume of the fluid 105, resulting in the pressure exerted on the membranes 104 to exceed the maximum strength of the membrane 104. The membrane 104 then ruptures and the fluid 105 is able to exit the barrier 100B through openings 103 where the membrane 104 broke. The order, and number of the breaking of the membranes 104 is based on the point of impact of the object 800, the speed and mass of the object 800. Both the viscosity and bulk modulus of the fluid 105 affect the flow rate of the fluid from the barrier 102 (as well as the area of the openings 103) which affects the rate at which the barrier 100B continues to crumble. The rate at which the fluid 105 is able to exit the barrier 102 acts as an additional dampening or shock absorbing feature of the barrier 102 to slow the object 800.

In some embodiments, the body is designed with the orifices to direct the fluid in a predetermined direction so as not to create more accidents or injuries. This is preferred in situations where the fluid 105 has a high viscosity. The Based on the thickness of the body, and the size of the orifice, the orifice may have a predetermined channel design to impede the flow of the fluid from the body.

One of the key features of this invention is that the barrier can be made from inexpensive materials such as injection molded or 3D printed plastics, thereby rendering the ‘tailored shapes’ at low cost. Some examples of such materials are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) commonly used in the food industry for soda bottles, etc. These materials have been demonstrated in small scale tests and have been found to be surprisingly robust to crash damage while maintaining pressure integrity. Other materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polypropylene (PPE) have also shown promise.

In various embodiments, the membranes are secured to the body through the use of adhesives or other means based on the material in which the membrane is constructed from, and the rupture pressure of the membrane. It is understood that the rupture pressure or force for the membranes is lower than that of the weakest point of the body.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication that the subject matter described by the term “present invention” is covered by either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that may eventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “present invention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for which disclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, this understanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” is tentative and provisional and subject to change over the course of patent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as the claims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification and claims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devices between network connections of elements. As such, network connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are in direct communication with each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalent. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus comprising: an enclosure forming a container, wherein the container has a plurality of orifices displaced at predetermined locations and sizes on the container; a rupture membrane displaced over the plurality of orifices, wherein an interior of the container is substantially water tight; a fluid of a predetermined viscosity and bulk modulus contained within the container; and whereby when a predetermined force acts upon the container and an interior volume decreased to a predetermined volume relative to a quantity of the fluid, the fluid will rupture the rupture membrane and the fluid is able to exit the interior of the container through at least one of the plurality of orifices.
 2. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the walls of the container have a substantially uniform thickness.
 3. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the size of the plurality of the orifices is based on the bulk modulus of the fluid.
 4. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container and the rupture membranes are a unitary component.
 5. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 4, wherein the container is scored to create sections of weakness.
 6. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rupture membranes are of varying strength based on the orifice in which the rupture membranes are displaced over.
 7. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rupture membranes are designed to fail in a predetermined order.
 8. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of orifices are placed based on a desired direction in which the fluid is to be expelled.
 9. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sensor integrated into the container to detect the rupturing of the membranes.
 10. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane is secured to an exterior surface of the container.
 11. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane is secured to the interior surface of the container.
 12. A rupturable pressure relieving fluid container, comprising: a container having an open end and a predetermined volume; a fluid contained within the container, wherein the quantity of the fluid is based on the volume of the container; a membrane member secured to the open end of the container; and a baseplate secured to the membrane member, wherein the baseplate has a plurality of apertures which align with the membrane member; wherein the container, membrane member, and the baseplate form a watertight seal.
 13. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 12, wherein the membrane member is comprised of a membrane film and a plate, wherein the membrane film is integrated with the plate.
 14. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 12, wherein the membrane member has predetermined weaker sections compared to the remainder of the membrane member.
 15. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 12, wherein the membrane member has predetermined scoring based on predetermined failure locations.
 16. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 12, wherein the fluid is an incompressible fluid
 105. 17. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 12, further comprising a securing means to secure the assembly to a surface.
 18. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 13, wherein multiple membrane film layers are used.
 19. The rupturable pressure relieving fluid container of claim 13, wherein the membrane film has varying thicknesses based on the desired strength of the membrane film relative to the apertures of the baseplate.
 20. A rupturable container, comprising: a container having a plurality of openings; a seal covering the plurality of openings forming a substantially watertight seal, and wherein the seal has a predetermined strength; and a fluid contained within the container, and wherein the fluid has a predetermined bulk modulus and viscosity. 